This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Learn More. Read our list of the best summer jackets for men. The list contains jackets that you can wear casually and for business casual settings so there is a jacket on this list for you regardless of your personal style.
Want more summer style? Check out ‘Best Summer Shoes for Men’.
Best Summer Jackets for Men
1. Sweater Jacket
Sweater Jackets provide a really nice layering option. They are not as heavy weight as a standard jacket but are more structured than typical sweaters.
There are many varieties of sweater jackets available. Some are designed with a full zip similar to a cardigan, while others have a bomber jacket aesthetic. Either way, both function to keep you warm during cooler summer days and evenings.
As far as versatility is concerned, you can pair these with a collared shirt and a tie for a business casual look. For more casual outfits, they also work well over a t-shirt and jeans.
2. Harrington Jacket
Harrington Jackets can come in many materials such as a cotton, wool, leather, suede and synthetics such as polyester and nylon. For summer the best option is to go for light weight cotton/polyester, cotton and linen jackets.
Harrington jackets are a classic menswear staple and have been worn by iconic celebrities and style icons such as Steve McQueen and Marlon Brando. The classic colors for Harrington jackets are green and beige, but navy is also a great choice.
Harrington jackets look great paired with jeans for a rugged yet refined look. You can also dress them up to business casual attire paired with a collared shirt, dress pants and dress shoes or boots.
3. Shirt Jacket
A shirt-jacket as the name suggests is a hybrid of the two. It is longer than a traditional shirt, but is designed more like a shirt than a jacket.
I like to think of the shirt-jacket like a denim shirt. So pairing it over a t-shirt on cooler summer days or evenings is a great option. If you plan on wearing it during the day, go for lighter colors such as beige, light gray and light blue since these will keep you cooler. The shirt-jacket is inherently a casual item, so it’s best to pair it with jeans avoid trying to dress it up.
4. Denim Jacket
Denim jackets are a timeless item to have in your wardrobe. They are incredibly versatile and bring a rugged edge to any outfit.
For the summer months opt for a denim jacket made from a lighter weight denim which will help you stay cooler. Going for a lighter wash is also a good idea since lighter colors pair well during the summer months.
It’s common these days to find lighter wash denim jackets with plenty of rips and distressing. But I would avoid these jackets since they come off as too casual and trendy. Instead, go for a light wash denim jacket with little to no distressing for a classic Americana look.
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5. Raincoat/Trenchcoat
In some places around the world, summer not only brings warmer temperatures but also plenty of unexpected rain. In such situations, nothing beats the functionality and style of a classic trench coat.
These coats are designed to repel rain yet maintain their breathability due to innovative fabrics. Some modern interpretations of the trench coat come with hoods, but classic versions typically don’t, so keep an umbrella handy.
You can pair them with both casual and business casual looks. The classic color for a trench coat is beige, but navy also works well. Personally, I would opt for beige because it looks better during the summer months.
6. Lightweight Bomber Jacket
Bomber jackets are a classic menswear staple. These days bomber jackets come in many materials such as leather, suede, polyester and nylon.
Leather and suede jackets are great for the cooler fall/winter months, but in the summer breathable polyester and nylon jackets are your best bet.
In the past, polyester and nylon jackets were considered cheap and inferior compared to to those made from natural materials such as wool, cotton and linen. But these days, polyester and nylon are used in technical fabrics that have incredible breathability and durability.
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7. Summer Sport Coat/Blazer
If you need to dress up in the summer for the office, a party or even a casual wedding, nothing beats a lightweight blazer/sport coat. You can pair it with a collared shirt and tie for a formal event or wear it over a t-shirt or henley for a sophisticated casual look.
The best materials for a summer sport coat are cotton, linen or a cotton/linen blend. These materials offer the most breathability. Linen jackets tend to develop wrinkles but that’s part of their charm, so own the look.
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8. Puffer Vest
A puffer vest is designed to keep your body core warm. Since vests don’t have sleeves you get really good range of motion without having to sacrifice warmth.
Puffer vests are casual, so they look best paired with jeans, chinos and khakis. You can layer puffer vests over top of t-shirts, collared shirts and even sweaters.
Check out ‘Best Summer Shirts for Men’.
The best part is, they are really compact so you can easily carry one in your bag pack or messenger bag and put it on when it gets a bit too chilly.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this list of the best summer jackets for men. Now you have good idea of what to wear when it gets cold or when you need to dress up during the summer months. All of these jackets are timeless which means you don’t have to worry about them going out of style. Buy them today and wear them for years to come!